Histolab

Identification of receptor proteins or peptides in histologic sections by means of specific antibodies raised against the target proteins.

The histolab has available a large selection of in-house antibodies but has also an extensive experience in testing and characterization of new antibodies. Immunoreactions can be visualized for bright field microscopy or fluorescence microscopy.

Researchers not familiar with evaluation of immunoreactions can get assistance for the evaluation of the stainings.

See Immunohistochemistry examples

Assistance with quantification of the occurrence of tissue components in histologic slides such as collagen (fibrosis), number of immunoreactive cells (endocrine cells, inflammatory cells, cells in mitosis etc), and dimensions of structures (intestinal villus height, epithelial thickness etc) using the image analysis program “Image Pro Plus”.

For cases which need extensive, specific interpretation, in particular in a scientific context, which are not part of collaborative work involving pathologists, additional consultancy charges will apply (475DKK/€50/hour).

We take no responsibility for new antibodies that we test, you will get charged even if we do not get expected results.

When testing on “in house” antibodies, we can always guarantee positive results on our own positive control tissue.

If you have questions or wish to discuss your needs, you are very welcome to contact us prior to filling in the submission form. We can be contacted at histolab@sund.ku.dk.

Otherwise, fill in the sample submission form and we will contact you as soon as possible regarding delivery of your samples.

Histolab is responsible for teaching in the anatomy of internal organs (circulation, lungs and digestive tract) at the medical  and administers SUND's virtual microscopy system, VirMik, which is used for teaching and exams.

Histolab is open to students who would like to do projects (bachelor projects, master's theses etc.) in which histological examinations are included - preferably in collaboration with other laboratories.

1. When you remove tissue, immediately place the tissue in plenty of formalin, in a container that can be closed tightly. There should be approximately 10 times as much formalin as the tissue fills to achieve well-fixed tissue – i.e. there should be plenty of formalin all the way around the tissue. The formalin you should use is called 4% neutral buffered formalin (10% Formaldehyde). The formalin may be refrigerator-cold.
2. Handling should take place under suction, unless you use a closed system, where the formalin is only added to the container after a tight-fitting lid has been put on. Formalin is carcinogenic.
3. The fixation of the tissue in formalin must last for at least 24 hours.
4. If the tissue is very large (+ 5 cm), it may be considered to cut sections through the tissue, as otherwise the formalin will have difficulty penetrating the middle of the tissue, and this will then be unfixed, and may result in decomposition of the tissue, and it may thus be difficult to perform further analyses of the tissue, such as immunohistochemistry. This applies, for example, to the kidney or liver - If the kidney is cut through the middle, it is ensured that the tissue that will be visible in a section is the one that received the best fixation.
5. If you have intestinal tissue, you can consider flushing the intestinal lumen with fixative (formalin in a syringe) as this will fix the intestine from the inside immediately, and any interfering intestinal contents will be flushed out. This can also be considered for other tissues with a lumen, e.g. lungs, hearts, etc. For lungs, it is best to inflate them to their original size (a cannula in the trachea) for a few minutes to avoid the tissue collapsing due to elasticity. A collapsed lung is difficult to assess histologically.
6. There is no evidence that tissue can overfix. Today, we have good methods for unmasking epitopes in IHC staining, as well as powerful systems for amplifying the reactions. However, it cannot be ruled out that certain epitopes are extra sensitive.
7. If necessary, you can replace the formalin with 70% ethanol after at least 24 hours. It may also be nicer for long-term storage to have tissue stored in something less harmful to health, also with regard to transport.
8. Containers with tissue can be stored at room temperature and under suction, i.e. in a fume hood or chemical cabinet. For longer-term storage; Make sure that the fluid around the tissue has not shrunk too much!
9. Remember to read the instructions for working with Formalin in www.kemibrug.dk, where you will also find instructions for disposing of formalin waste.

1. Your rack or box with samples must have your name on it, and all tissue containers must be clearly marked with an ID that corresponds to the Excel sample list sent by email (histolab@sund.ku.dk)
2. The ID on the samples must NOT be written with an alcohol marker, as there is a risk that it will come off/dissolve, as we work with alcohol! Please use printed labels instead.
3. All containers are tightly closed.
4. A label from www.kemibrug.dk with hazard labels has been applied, indicating whether there is Formalin, Ethanol or other liquid in the sample containers. The label is placed on the rack, box, bag or whatever the samples come in.
5. Sample submission form is attached to the samples, or sent by email. The form is filled in with name, account information, number of samples, and description of histo-wishes for the samples. You can also attach a drawing, if you want a specific orientation of tissue.